If you’re craving all the flavors of classic lasagna but want something quicker and cozier, the Best Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. This comforting soup captures every essence of traditional lasagna, from savory Italian sausage to tender noodles, simmered in a rich tomato broth with just the right creamy touch. It’s a game-changer on chilly nights or whenever you want a bowl that feels like a warm hug. Trust me, once you try this soup, it’ll become your go-to for satisfying those lasagna cravings without the long bake time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of deliciousness while keeping things straightforward. From the hearty Italian sausage to fresh basil, these essentials blend to create a beautiful balance of taste, texture, and color in your bowl.
- 6 oz lasagna noodles: Breaking them into pieces helps mimic classic lasagna layers in soup form.
- 1 tbsp oil (avocado or olive oil): Perfect for sautéing and adding subtle richness.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds sweet and savory depth to the broth.
- 1 lb hot or sweet Italian sausage (casings removed): Provides bold, meaty flavor – choose your heat level.
- 2 garlic cloves (chopped): Fresh garlic infuses the soup with aromatic warmth.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Offers a classic Italian herb note.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor for a rich base.
- 32 oz low-sodium broth (chicken or beef): Creates the soup’s savory foundation without overpowering saltiness.
- 15 oz canned crushed tomatoes (with juice): Adds brightness and texture to the broth.
- 1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped): Lends a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese (grated): Melts into the soup, boosting umami and creaminess.
- 1/2 cup half & half: Softens acidity and enriches the broth’s body.
- Ricotta cheese (for serving): A creamy dollop on top brings the lasagna experience full circle.
How to Make Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil to ensure your noodles have flavor from the start. The key here is to cook the lasagna noodles just shy of fully done—about two minutes less than the package suggests—because they’ll finish cooking in the soup. Drain them, drizzle with oil to prevent sticking, and set aside so they’re ready for later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Vegetables
Grab a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven and heat it over medium. Add the sausage and cook it thoroughly, breaking it into small, flavorful crumbles. Once browned, toss in the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, letting those flavors meld beautifully. Then stir in the garlic and oregano, cooking just until you can smell their fragrant magic.
Step 3: Build the Flavorful Tomato Broth
Next, stir in tomato paste, which delivers that punchy, concentrated tomato taste that lasagna is known for. Pour in your broth and crushed tomatoes, juices included, which provide a wonderful body and acidity. Bring everything to a boil before reducing the heat, partially covering the pot as it simmers gently for about 15 minutes—this slow meld of flavors is what will make your soup so memorable.
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Finish the Soup
Lower the heat to a simmer and add in those pre-cooked lasagna noodles, half and half, parmesan, and fresh basil. This is when the soup gets creamy and herbaceous, rounding out the hearty tomato base. Let it simmer just a few more minutes to marry all those flavors, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed. This step is where the soup reaches its full comforting potential.
Step 5: Serve with Ricotta and Fresh Basil
When ready, ladle the soup into bowls and add a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese on top along with a sprinkle of fresh basil. The ricotta adds a silky, cool contrast that perfectly balances each bite and truly elevates this soup from dinner to experience.
How to Serve Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dollop of ricotta cheese and chopped fresh basil are classic garnishes that brighten and enrich the soup. You can also add a grating of parmesan or a few red pepper flakes for extra spice and visual appeal. These toppings turn a humble bowl into a plate-worthy presentation that your guests will love.
Side Dishes
The hearty nature of this soup pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette and some crusty garlic bread for dipping. These sides keep the meal balanced and add complementary textures that make the entire dining experience satisfying and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this to guests or just want to impress, try serving the soup in mini bread bowls or even clear mugs to showcase all the vibrant colors and layers. A sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving adds freshness and a pop of color that makes every bowl look both rustic and elegant.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover lasagna soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the noodles from absorbing too much broth. Before reheating, you might want to loosen the soup with a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much overnight.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but to keep the noodles from becoming overly soft, consider freezing the broth and sausage mixture separately from the noodles if possible. When ready to eat, thaw the broth mixture, heat it up, and stir in freshly cooked noodles. This ensures each bowl maintains the perfect texture.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a bit more half and half or broth if the soup feels too thick after chilling. Reheat until steaming hot for that just-made feel in every spoonful.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef can be a great substitute, but sausage adds extra seasoning and a richer flavor. If you opt for beef, consider adding a pinch of fennel or Italian seasoning to get closer to that classic sausage taste.
Is it necessary to pre-cook the noodles?
Yes, pre-cooking them slightly prevents undercooked pasta in the soup. Since the noodles finish cooking in the broth, starting them early ensures they are tender but not mushy by serving time.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Sure! Replace the sausage with hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef. You’ll still get fantastic flavor and texture.
How spicy is the soup if I use hot Italian sausage?
Using hot Italian sausage gives just a nice kick without overwhelming heat. If you prefer milder flavors, opt for sweet sausage or remove the casing and rinse off some of the seasoning before cooking.
What’s the best way to add ricotta cheese when serving?
Serve with a spoonful on top of each bowl right before eating. The contrast in temperature and texture adds a creamy, cooling element that complements the warm, tangy broth perfectly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Best Lasagna Soup Recipe enough to anyone who loves those classic Italian flavors but wants a cozy bowl without the fuss of lasagna’s usual bake time. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh so comforting—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep for the week. Give it a try and watch it become one of your all-time favorite soups that friends and family will ask for again and again!
Print
Best Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This comforting lasagna soup combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna in a hearty, easy-to-make soup. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender noodles, rich tomato broth, and creamy cheeses, this recipe is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 6 oz lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
- 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 lb hot or sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 32 oz low-sodium chicken or beef broth
- 15 oz canned crushed tomatoes with juice
- 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup half & half
For Serving
- Ricotta cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions to keep them slightly firm. Drain and drizzle with oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook the sausage and aromatics: Heat a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and sauté, breaking it into small pieces until fully cooked. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent. Stir in chopped garlic and dried oregano and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer the soup base: Add tomato paste, broth, and crushed tomatoes to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Partially cover and let simmer gently for 15 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add noodles and cheese: Maintain a gentle simmer, then stir in the cooked noodles, half & half, grated parmesan cheese, and chopped basil. Let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to meld everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a spoonful of creamy ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Cook noodles slightly less than package directions so they don’t become mushy when simmered in the soup.
- Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness since cheese and sausage add salt.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid overcooking noodles.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of half & half or ricotta to control creaminess.
